WASHINGTON– Since 2013 Playworks, a non-profit, anti-bullying group, has been trying to change the way students solve conflicts in schools. In the nation’s capital, the organization Is using Rock Paper Scissors, the playground game, as a mediation tool.
“We’re really looking to build the community,” said Playworks development manager Miles Makdisi. “Play is something that impacts kids as well as adults it’s something that a lot of people can remember they felt good about.”
The organization has also sponsored tournaments for adults as a way of raising money for Playworks. At least 100 grown-ups took part in each of the first three Olympic-style rounds.
In case you don’t remember how the game works, a rock is shown with your fist, paper is your hand out flat, and scissors are just that, scissors.
A fourth tourney held at Penn Social, a trendy Washington pub, brought out donors, potential donors and community activists. Several teams competed to win prizes such as swag from the Washington Mystics and signed gear from Washington Wizards star Otto Porter.
In one of the rounds winning contestants turned into a “rock star” if they won the matchups, while losers cheered them on. Makdisi said there may be yet another contest later this year.
Neil Thompson participated in the tournament and is a member of “G-O-Dudes.” Thompson thinks the event is a great thing for kids and the community.
“It’s an easy game to learn. It’s something they can use together to settle their differences, but in a friendly and fun way,” said Thompson.
Playworks is one of the few non-profit organizations that provides trained and full-time coaches during recess at elementary schools.